1. Home
  2. Articles posted by: Rona Fried (Page 2142)

CA. Moves to Protect Ratepayers from Future Greenhouse Gas Regulations

A decision by the California PUC directs the state’s largest electric utilities to include CO2 costs between $8-25 per ton when evaluating the economics of future energy resource additions. In a December 2004 decision [published formally on January 20, 2005] the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) adopted a range of values to explicitly account for the financial risk associated with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Investor-owned utilities [PG&E, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric] are ordered to use a value between $8 to $25 per ton of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the evaluation of future fossil generation bids. The adder is applicable to longer-term power acquisitions with contractual terms lasting more than five years. Through about the year 2011, up to 2,200 MW of capacity additions have been forecasted by the three utilities that would apply the CO2 adder. The GHG value will be added to the prices bid in future request for offers (RFOs), and will be used to develop a more accurate price comparison between and among fossil, renewable and demand-side bids. The PUC order states, “Regardless of which bid is ultimately selected, the adder will not be paid to that generator or charged to ratepayers; […]

Read More

Senators McCain and Lieberman Actively Seeking Vehicle for Climate Vote

Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.) reintroduced their plan for a nationwide plan to regulate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions yesterday, with McCain pledging to go after a vote on the measure within the first legislative vehicle he can find. “Senator Lieberman and I will not give up on this issue,” said McCain, noting that many of his Senate colleagues are taking a fresh look at global warming as the topic becomes more mainstream. “We can no longer afford to simply gather data and publish reports,” he said, alleging “almost criminal inaction” by the Bush administration. “We can see with our own eyes what global warming is doing,” Lieberman said. “We’ve got to engage the American people more.” McCain said he will try to offer the measure as an amendment with the “first opportunity possible.” The McCain-Lieberman measure was defeated 43-55 last year and Republican gains in the November elections may further decrease the bill’s chances this year. Nonetheless, Lieberman said he and McCain plan on traveling around the country to educate the American public about global warming, with a series of “open meetings.” And support from some senators who previously opposed the bill is another possibility. Senate Commerce […]

Read More